Our Members

The men and women of the Society of Merchant Venturers are drawn from the wider Bristol area. In all aspects of the Society’s work, members are active and collaborative, with the aim to make positive and effective change within Bristol.

Sixteen Committees and Sub-Committees oversee the Society’s activities including Education, Care for Older People, Charitable Giving, Social Business, Estates, Finance and Membership. Over 70 members of the Society are active Committee members and meet regularly to develop and implement the Society’s strategic aims. All the members meet together four times a year at what is known as Quarterly Hall, and again on Charter Day in November.

The Society is governed by a 15-strong Standing Committee of elected members. The most senior member is the Master, supported by a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, all of whom are elected annually on Charter Day and serve a one-year term.

Day-to-day administration is carried out by the Treasurer, who is effectively the chief executive. She is advised as necessary by the Clerk, who is a lawyer.